Restorative Justice and Religion: The Intersection of Black-Faith Practice and Restorative Justice

• In Event: Lessons in Restorative Justice

Abstract

As the Criminal legal system (CLS) grew, so did its negative impact on economically and racially minoritized people. Harsher sentencing standards disproportionally targeted Black and Brown communities, leaving many with criminal records. Restorative justice (RJ) is a dispute-handling mechanism used to address individual and systemic harm. Faith organizations, particularly the Black church, have a rich history of advocating for rehabilitation and restorative practices, offering services that benefit individuals impacted by the CLS. This study investigates the motivations, strategies, and theological influences that drive Black faith leaders and organizations to support RJ work, examining how they build community support and how liberative theologies shape their approaches to RJ. Using interviews, content analysis, and observations with one nonprofit organization, this work aims to identify some of the ways Black communities of faith use RJ to promote justice and community healing. Because individuals' beliefs about faith fundamentally shape their perspectives on justice, this project highlights the profound influence of faith practices on the principles, approaches, and applications of restorative justice, revealing how spiritual values and religious frameworks can shape justice-seeking processes within communities.

Author

• Rosheka Faulkner, Rutgers University